10-day Ganesh festival begins in Maharashtra

Chhatrapati Sambhaijnagar: The 10-day long 'Ganesh Chaturthi' festival is being celebrated in the eight districts of Marathwada region as well as across the Maharashtra with enthusiasm and religious fervour.

The festival on Tuesday began with the joyful devotees buying lord Ganesha idols from special markets for installation at their homes well as Ganesh mandals premises by chanting 'Ganpathi Bappa Moraya' and ‘Aala Re Aala Ganpati Aala’.

In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city heavy rush was witnessed in city markets areas and Hudco Cidco localities on this occasion with people purchasing idols and pooja materials since this morning.

Huge and long pandals and stages have been erected on various streets and corners by the Ganesh mandals in the entire region, according to the Ganesh Mahasangh sources.

In city , the festival will starts with the 'Mahararthi' at the traditional 99-year-old tradition Sanstan Ganesh Temple situated at old city area Shahganj, also known as 'Gramdaivat' of the city.

The Sanstan also organised several programmes, including health camps, Daily Bhandara (free meals for all), awareness campaign, blood donation camps and Dipostav during the ten days, according to the Sanstan Ganpati sources.

The apex body of the Ganesh Mandals in the city 'Shri Ganesh Mahasangh Ustav Samiti' is celebrating the festival on a grand Scale and has organised several programmes.

Meanwhile, security has been strengthened with deploying 2700 police force by police department with the help of police officers and home guards to maintain peace, law and order situation to check anti-social elements and avert any untoward incident during the festival, police sources said. (UNI)